Over the last few years, Chevrolet has utilized Barrett-Jackson to preview upcoming Camaro and Corvette production models by auctioning off one the cars before they are built. One of the most prolific buyers of these low VIN cars is Chevy dealer and NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick. Last year at Barrett-Jackson’s Palm Beach auction, Hendrick purchased the first retail 2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon Edition. Although he could not be at this year’s auction in person, he was there in spirit, phoning in the winning bid of $175,000 to purchase VIN 100 of the upcoming 2012 Corvette Centennial Edition Z06. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer.

The Corvette Z06 that was sold will be VIN 100 once 2012 Corvette production gets underway this summer. The Z06 will be a 3LZ model with the Z07 performance package, the new Z06 carbon fiber hood, and the CFZ carbon fiber page. Hendrick will also receive the Corvette Engine Build Experience with will allow him to assemble the LS7 505-horsepower engine at Wixom’s Performance Build Center, as well as the opportunity to take delivery of the car at the National Corvette Museum, in Bowling Green, Ky. As an added perk, Hendrick will get the VIP treatment with the ALMS Corvette Racing team at Petit Le Mans later this year.

The new appearance package celebrates the performance heritage of founder Louis Chevrolet and the 100-year anniversary of the company founded by the early automotive racing pioneer. The Centennial Edition comes exclusively in Carbon Flash Metallic, a black color with metallic flake. Satin Black graphics of Louis Chevrolet and the “100″ are displayed throughout the car. The black wheels are lightweight cast-spun aluminum and include a thin red line around the perimeter. Magnetic Selective Ride Control is included on all Centennial Edition Corvettes.

Inside the Corvette Centennial Editions, you’ll see an Ebony leather-wrapped instrument panel and doors with complimentary red stitching on the steering wheel, seats, console and shifter. Microfiber suede accents are on the seating surfaces, steering wheel, shifter and armrests. The crossed-flags logo also sees a change with “100″ in place of the traditional fleur-de-lis symbol.

Charles D. Fowler, III: I stopped subsribing to both after many years, and within a year or two of even having a “feature” article accepted and published, after meeting Corvette Fever execs at Carlisle. With the merger, I...

Jeff McKay: I also asked a local dealer and they knew nothing about it. How do I order it myself? I think that would be faster than trying to convince them they should know about it.

CrystalKnight: I have always loved the 63, one of my favorite classics of all time, and I have had a many sports cars…, owned and loved the C5 even though it was heavy and underpowered, owned and loved the C6 convertible. ….I...

CrystalKnight: I have always loved the 63, one of my favorite classics of all time, and I have had a many sports cars…, owned and loved the C5 even though it was heavy and underpowered, owned and loved the C6 convertible. ….I...

tonyman262: I have an 89 C4 & an 07 C6, both white. After seeing the CUE system; the daughter may get the 07, I NEED a C7 with the CUE system. The 89 C4 stays with me. The C7 (artic white of course) could just end up being the new...